A Protestant Minister's Unusual Sermon on Reformation Sunday

Patrick Madrid ^ | 10/26/2009 | Patrick Madrid

[Patrick Madrid]

A few years ago, I slipped into the back of a large Methodist church in the area to hear a sermon delivered by the pastor which had been advertised for several days on the marquee on the lawn in front of the handsome Neo-Gothic stone edifice. I really wanted to hear what he had to say on that particular Sunday.

The occasion of this sermon was what Protestants celebrate as "Reformation Sunday," in remembrance of the sad, tragic rebellion against the Catholic Church. Of course, that's my take on what Reformation Sunday symbolizes. The pastor whose sermon I heard that day had a much different view. . . .

[big'ol_freeper]

The reformers were plain and simple rebelling against the Will of God.

[HarleyD]

With all due respect, this article is utter nonsense. I would suggest the author does not have a grasp on the seriousness of the Reformation or a clear understanding of the errors of Rome. While the Reformation may not be a happy celebration; it is a solemn celebration in which Protestants give thanks that God opened the eyes of the church to the truth. The failing of Rome is to clearly understand that one is saved BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH. We are NOT saved by works as Rome would have us believe. For the author to say that Catholics are right on this matter underscores his misconception of this serious doctrinal error. It is heresy of the worst sort. So much that Martin Luther and other Protestant leaders of that time was willing to sacrifice their lives over it.

And a slight correction needs to be made in this article. Protestantism, as it was originally cast in the Reformation, did not reflect the age of enlightenment. I think one will find ample evidence that the belief in a man-centered view is a Catholic notion that migrated to most non-Reformed churches through Joseph Arminian. Reformers maintained, and still maintain, God works out His plan and He is in control-not man.

Christians are united not because they have a headquarters in Rome. That is absolutely preposterous. Christians are united by their love of the brethren whenever they go. I can travel anywhere in the world and find common bonds with fellow believers.

I, for one, rejoice in the Reformation and God opening up the eyes of the church to the truth. Understanding the Reformation has helped me to see how arrogant mankind, including myself, can be. We are a sinful wretched lot who somehow received undeserved favor by a truly divine and loving God. I can only pray that someday God will help others to cast aside our arrogant and see the divine truth that it is He that saves us-to the praise of His great glory through our Lord Jesus.

[Mr Rogers]

Interesting points. Thanks.

[Petronski]

The contradictions come from man-made traditions . . .

TULIP, sola fide, e-meters and engrams, sola Scriptura, once-saved-always-saved, peepstones, etc.

Go ahead and have the last word. I know how fond you are of doing that.

What a load of juvenile passive-aggressive projection. LOL

[Marysecretary]

I agree boatbums. We need to do nothing but receive His gift. Jesus did it all at the cross. I don’t know either why it’s so hard for some people to see it. I think they’ve bought the lies of their religious institution and believe THEY have to do something to receive such a gift.

[Marysecretary]

Thank you, Mr. Rogers. As always this is a beautiful and encouraging post. God bless Tyndale.

[Marysecretary]

Sorry, but the Rock is Jesus. You can twist scripture around to mean anything you want to.

[Marie2]

“It saved the Catholic Church, ultimately, so it was great for them. “

I’m interested to know how you think the Reformation saved the Catholic Church.

[Marie2]

“We are commanded by Scripture to be of one mind, in one spirit, and with one mouth to glorify GOD. Romans 15:5-6, Philippians 1:27, 2:2”

I do agree with you about that, Nyer. The problem arises when we are asked to be of one mind/spirit with what appears to be very serious doctrinal error (what we perceive to be idolatry and works righteousness). So we try to eradicate these serious errors, finding unity on the basis of Scripture.

I do believe that serious Christians do actually have quite a bit of real and true unity, as I have experienced in different situations over the years. I have mentioned the pro-life movement in a previous post as one area where I find what seem to be many real compatriots.

[Marysecretary]

Good post, Alex ‘dear’. I put this in my favorites.

[Marysecretary]

You can turn any scripture around to suit your agenda. The saints in heaven are no more alive than any other person who has died. We’re not supposed to be talking to those who have died. If you want to talk to your saints, then by all means you must do so, but don’t expect an answer.

[vladimir998]

I’m not twisting scripture. Jesus was talking to Peter, not Himself.

[Titanites]

You claimed there were 33,000 in June of 2007

False. She claimed there were 33,000+ as in over 33,000.

Yet by November 2007, you'd dropped the number down to 20,000.

False again. She claimed there were over 20,000. 33,000+ is over 20,000 so no inconsistency there.

And now this year, you've raised the number up to "30,000 and growing".

That's consistent with the other numbers. 30,000 is a rounded off number from 33,000. You've heard of the concept of rounding, right?

I don't know what passes for math in Parochial school,

I don't know either, since I didn't go to Parochial school, but the math is sound and consistent. The problem arises only when you selectively edit her statements.

but most people can chart those numbers out and see that's a net loss

The problem for you is that she didn't give precise numbers to chart, unlike what is being portrayed.

[AlaninSA]

Preach on, brother! The “catholics” have no leg to stand on here!

[RinaseaofDs]

They responded to the reformation. They stopped the indulgences. They began to return to doctrine and scripture. A reformation of some sort HAD to happen. They wouldn’t be the church they are today without having gone through and benefitting from the experience.

Witness the Anglican return currently occurring. No way that happens without the reformation having happened first. They were able to restore their authority and credibility as a church.

[Cronos]

It seems to me more concise and accurate to say you don’t read scripture at all...and why should you, when the real interpretation lies in the Catechism, and not the Scriptures?

We in The Church read scripture, not only as readings during mass, but otherwise. Would you say that the real interpretation lies in Luther or Calvin's teachings and twelve points (or whatever be your path to nirvana)?

[Cronos]

It becomes clearer all the time just how covered over the eyes are those outside The Church. But, then truth never was high on the axiology of many Calvinist and “re-formatted” protesters...was it?

[Cronos]

I believe we all agree on salvation. It’s works maybe that we don’t agree on?

True enough.

Baptism doesn’t save us, neither do works. But to my knowledge, most protestant churches believe that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Now that's the tricky bit -- you can't club all protestants as believing that, can you? What about Arminians? And High-Church Anglicans? Also, is that a true statement for all types and groups of Methodists, Baptists, Mennonites, "Reformed", Presbyterians, Wesleyans, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Scientists, Salvation Army types, various "Evangelicals"? I don't think you can club all of those various groups under one label, unfortunately.

[Cronos]

Exactly. The One True Church is the entire Body of Christ, no denominations, just believers.

do note that even Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, SEventh Day Adventists etc. say they are believers.

[Cronos]

you say you follow Jesus? You follow Him through the teachings of Calvin or Luther or Zwingli or Wesley or your local pastor? Which group do you believe in and why THEM? What separation is there from your group and the other Lutherans, Calvinists, Re-formed, Presbyterian etc. groups?